H.B. No. 2131 seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding unauthorized entry and occupancy of real property in Texas by introducing new criminal offenses and adjusting penalties for related crimes. The bill amends Section 28.03(b) of the Penal Code to categorize various degrees of misdemeanors and felonies based on the financial impact of property damage. It establishes a Class A misdemeanor for presenting false documents related to real property and a third-degree felony for fraudulent sales or rentals of residential real estate.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new Chapter 24B in the Property Code, empowering property owners or their agents to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff. This chapter details the conditions for such requests, the complaint process, and the sheriff's duties in verifying complaints and issuing notices to vacate. It also clarifies that the chapter does not limit property owners' rights or law enforcement's authority to arrest for related offenses, reinforcing the legal protections for property owners. The amendments to Section 28.03 will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are judged under the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03 (Penal Code 28)